Ruto Urges Kenyans to Ignore "Retrogressive Ideas"

Kenya, 2 February 2026 - President William Ruto is turning up the heat in the political arena, challenging Kenyans to reject leaders who, in his words, want to “reverse progress” in education, housing, and healthcare.

Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Ruto left little doubt that his administration sees the upcoming political season as a defining battle over Kenya’s development trajectory.

“Some people who messed up the education sector are the same ones criticising the reforms we are undertaking. Please give us a break and spare us your lectures,” Ruto said, putting the opposition squarely on the defensive.

His words were aimed at parties threatening to roll back the reforms his government has painstakingly implemented since taking office.

Ruto detailed the strides in education under his watch: increased funding to schools, colleges, and universities, hiring 100,000 teachers and over 2,000 college tutors, and addressing shortages in TVET institutions.

“We found an education system that had serious problems. There was not enough money and there were not enough teachers,” he said.

Education, he stressed, is central to Kenya’s economic agenda, with young people described as the nation’s greatest resource.

The President delivered his message while presiding over the disbursement of KSh 220 million in NYOTA business startup grants to more than 8,800 youth entrepreneurs from Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties—a tangible demonstration of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment.

Accompanying him were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, cabinet secretaries, governors, and other senior leaders.

Ruto painted a stark contrast between his government’s initiatives and the opposition’s approach. From the Hustler Fund and Kazi Majuu to digital hubs and affordable housing, he said these programs are directly changing lives.

“The guys are saying housing is not a priority, yet it has employed more than 500,000 young people across the country. Where will such people go if such a programme is reversed?” he challenged.

Universal health coverage under the Social Health Authority was another highlight. Ruto dismissed calls to revert to the defunct NHIF, calling such ideas “retrogressive” and demonstrating, in his view, the opposition’s lack of leadership vision. Youth empowerment remained a recurring theme. The President emphasised inclusivity, stressing that opportunities do not discriminate based on tribe, education level, or background. “In this programme, what matters is hard work,” he said, highlighting that Kenya’s youth have “outgrown the tired mathematics of the tribe and the small thinking of yesterday’s politics.”